Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Rio Patras, Greece, Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vass. Constantinou Avenue, 116 35 Athens, Greece, Institut de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, UPR9021 CNRS, Immunologie et Chimie Therapeutiques, 67084 Strasbourg, France, and Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Universita di Trieste, Piazzale Europa 1, 34127 Trieste, Italy

Chemistry of Carbon Nanotubes

We review the present state of polymer nanocomposites research in which the fillers are single-wall or multiwall carbon nanotubes. By way of background we provide a brief synopsis about carbon nanotube materials and their suspensions. We summarize and critique various nanotube/polymer composite fabrication methods including solution mixing, melt mixing, and in situ polymerization with a particular emphasis on evaluating the dispersion state of the nanotubes. We discuss mechanical, electrical, rheological, thermal, and flammability properties separately and how these physical properties depend on the size, aspect ratio, loading, dispersion state, and alignment of nanotubes within polymer nanocomposites. Finally, we summarize the current challenges to and opportunities for efficiently translating the extraordinary properties of carbon nanotubes to polymer matrices in hopes of facilitating progress in this emerging area.

Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) hold the promise of delivering exceptional mechanical properties and multi-functional characteristics. Ever-increasing interest in applying CNTs in many different fields has led to continued efforts to develop dispersion and functionalization techniques. To employ CNTs as effective reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites, proper dispersion and appropriate interfacial adhesion between the CNTs and polymer matrix have to be guaranteed. This paper reviews the current understanding of CNTs and CNT/polymer nanocomposites with two particular topics: (i) the principles and techniques for CNT dispersion and functionalization and (ii) the effects of CNT dispersion and functionalization on the properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. The fabrication techniques and potential applications of CNT/polymer nanocomposites are also highlighted.

Dispersion and functionalization of carbon nanotubes for polymer-based nanocomposites: a review

http://staff.ulsu.ru/moliver/ref/polymers/pott11.pdf

Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites

Carbon nanotube–polymer composites: Chemistry, processing, mechanical and electrical properties

Formation of percolating networks in multi-wall carbon-nanotube–epoxy composites

Electric field-induced aligned multi-wall carbon nanotube networks in epoxy composites

Alternating electric field induced agglomeration of carbon black filled resins

The interaction of epoxy resin and an additional electrolyte with non-oxidised carbon black in colloidal dispersions

A simple mechanical stirring process leads to charge-stabilised dispersions of aligned, substrate-grown, CVD-grown multi-wall carbon nanotubes in an epoxy resin. Subsequent sample processing, after the addition of the hardener, can be used to induce the nanotube agglomeration necessary to achieve electrically conductive bulk composites at low loading fractions. Both the nanotube percolation threshold and the resulting bulk conductivity can be adjusted by selection of suitable processing parameters and nanotube aspect ratio. This behaviour of aligned CVD-grown multi-wall carbon nanotubes allows lower electrical percolation thresholds than are possible with entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes, single-wall carbon nanotube bundles, or carbon black in an epoxy matrix. Furthermore, the application of electric fields during composite processing induces the formation of aligned multi-wall carbon nanotube networks between electrodes dipped into the dispersion. Such composites show an electrical conductivity above the anti-static level and retain a degree of optical transmissivity.

Percolation in Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Epoxy Composites Influence of processing parameters, nanotube aspect ratio and electric fields on the bulk conductivity

Matthias-Klaus Schwarz

Papers

Formation of percolating networks in multi-wall carbon-nanotube–epoxy composites

Electric field-induced aligned multi-wall carbon nanotube networks in epoxy composites

Alternating electric field induced agglomeration of carbon black filled resins

The interaction of epoxy resin and an additional electrolyte with non-oxidised carbon black in colloidal dispersions

Percolation in Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotube-Epoxy Composites Influence of processing parameters, nanotube aspect ratio and electric fields on the bulk conductivity